This article was initially featured on Inquirer Plus on May 23, 2026, authored by Tessa Prieto
I came to Aurelia Residences expecting to see art. I did not expect to step inside one.
Last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to tour this ultra-luxury residential development in Bonifacio Global City, and my goodness, what a treat! It felt more like a private walk through a living masterpiece, brought to life by more than 50 local and international artworks, each carefully curated to give the spaces depth and character.
As someone deeply passionate about art—and happily surrounded by a family that shares the same love—I was drawn to how Aurelia treats art not as mere decor, but as part of its identity. Every piece has a striking presence and every space seems to say, quite confidently, that elegance lives here.
Nicole Hizon, the in-house Group Sales Channel head of Shang Properties, was kind enough to tour me around the property, pointing out the exceptional level of details, refined finishes, and curated artworks that give Aurelia its unmistakable character.
By the way, units at Aurelia Residences, a joint venture project of Shang Properties and Robinsons Land, are already being turned over, meaning its fortunate residents can now begin living inside this beautifully composed world of exceptional craftsmanship.
Aurelia, Nicole explained, is home to more than 50 world-class art pieces curated by Miguel Rosales of Caramel Inc., bringing together a remarkable mix of local and international artists. Caramel also curated the art collection for Shangri-La The Fort, Manila and other Shang Properties projects, bringing to Aurelia the same discerning eye for art, place, and experience.
True enough, from the moment I entered the lobby, Aurelia immediately made its point.
There, twin metal installations by Bea and Marga Valdes of Valdes Designs had set the tone—dramatic, intricate, feminine, yet beautifully structured. They have the presence of sculpture and the delicacy of couture, which is exactly the kind of tension I love. Nicole shared that these pieces took around two years to complete, and truly, they look every bit worth the wait.
Behind the reception area, two minimalist abstract works by Gus Albor became another personal favorite. Inspired by the idea of portals, they felt perfectly placed because
Aurelia Residences itself feels like a portal into a more elegant way of living.
Nicole then brought me to what I think is Aurelia’s pièce de résistance: the grand staircase.
Created by Gabby Lichauco and Rita Nazareno, this striking centerpiece connects the tower’s three wings while offering a contemporary tribute to Filipino craft and heritage. Inspired by the idea of the Filipino lampara, it feels like the heart of the residence—warm and symbolic.
At the wing lobbies are the large-scale works of French artist Francis Dravigny. His pieces were shaped by his long fascination with Philippine textiles, combine fabric, texture, wire, shells, coral, and mother of pearl.
At the amenity level, a striking work by seasoned artist Lenore RS Lim gave us something contemporary and composed, blending beautifully with the interiors while adding a sense of calm sophistication.
What I love most was how everything came together: the interiors by FM Architettura d’Interni, the Italian design firm led by architect and designer Francesca Muzio; the curation by Miguel Rosales; the Filipino artistry; the international pieces; as well as the materials, light, and scale. Every artwork seemed to know exactly why it was there.
That, to me, is what makes Aurelia so special. It gives elegance more personality and luxury more soul.
And after walking throughout the property, I thought to myself: how wonderful it must be to come home to a masterpiece that already knows how to live beautifully.
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